Good Foreign Places For Uninsured Americans To Receive Medical Procedures? (credit, living)

[Visvaldis]

Good Foreign Places For Uninsured Americans To Receive Medical Procedures?
Lately, I've been very interested in the possibilities of minor surgery (such as hernia and appendix) done in foreign countries.
I'm not interested in major procedures as heart, lung, hip replacement, etc.
Specifically, I'd like to know more about medical treatment in lands close to the United States, like Mexico, in the Caribbean or Central America.
Anyone have experiences? Are there organizations that handle these things?

[Teak]

Malaysia. I had a colonoscopy done here for ~$250, when my mother's, done in the USA, cost between $2,000 and $3,000. Have also had dental surgery (replaced a molar), again for ~$150. The doctors are well-trained in the private clinics, and do not charge very much relative to the USA.

Take a medical tour. Go for an island vacation before or after your surgery (Tioman, Redang, Perhentians).

[BabaЯga]

I had my dental work done in Costa Rica last year. This job was estimated for $21,000 in Atlanta (several crowns, grafting and two implants) and cost me $4,200 over there. Plus travel and living approximately $700-800 for a week.
BTW, all dentists there are US Board certified.

[JL]

Just curious, how do you people go about finding reputable physicans, dentists, etc. in other countries to have ,exams,surgeries, implants,etc. done? Is there a website or something that provides reference checks and referrals as well as accreditation/certification of these medical professionals? I saw a story on ABC Nightline about some woman going to India to get some kind of surgery and stayed in a nice resort to recuperate. It was included in her medical package!

[BabaЯga]

Just curious, how do you people go about finding reputable physicans, dentists, etc. in other countries to have ,exams,surgeries, implants,etc. done?

I goggled "US board certified dentists Costa Rica". It gave me a lot of web-sites and forums where people shared their experiences. Then during my vacation I visited several dentists over there and made my decision.

[tijlover]

Myself, I'm more adventuresome and willing to take risks.

Whenever I've been to anywhere in Central or South America, I just sniff the place out, using intuition, and haven't had a bad experience yet, whether it be a crown in Tandil, Argentina, a crown in Ambato, Ecuador, a crown in Tijuana, Mexico, or various fillings or teeth cleanings in Auchapan, El Salvador and Tarija, Bolivia.

I'm sure there are dentists who aren't U.S. certified who will do the job equally as well with lower costs. Just by accident, my dentist in Tijuana is U.S. certified. But, at the time, I wasn't seeking that out. I just headed to a dental clinic where the locals went for dental work, not to the dentists with the fancy websites and who can speak English. And you will pay extra for that!

I know enough Spanish, so an English speaking Dentist or any other medical practioner I meet with, is not necessary.

And don't forget the International Red Cross clinics to be found all over the world who will provide quality care. I used one in Guatemala City one time for a spider bite.
$3 for a Dr. visit, and surprise! The Doctor spoke English!

They just opened up a new clinic in Rosarito Beach, Baja, Mexico last month.